Bluegrass musicians in Chattanooga.
Chattanooga, TN – It’s official! The **International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA)** has announced that Chattanooga will be the new home of its prestigious **World of Bluegrass** event for the years 2025, 2026, and 2027. This exciting news was revealed by the **Chattanooga Tourism Co.** in partnership with the **General Assembly**, the **Tennessee Department of Tourist Development**, and, of course, the IBMA.
The multi-day **World of Bluegrass (WOB)** event, set to kick off on **September 16, 2025**, is poised to be a grand celebration of music, culture, and community. According to Chairwoman **Patsy Hazlewood**, this event not only underscores Tennessee’s rich cultural heritage but also acts as a significant economic driver for local communities.
“**Tennessee is proud to welcome IBMA’s World of Bluegrass to Chattanooga**. This event is a testament to our state’s vibrant cultural heritage and a booster for our local economy,” she said.
**Barry White**, president and CEO of the **Chattanooga Tourism Co.**, expressed his excitement, emphasizing the economic benefits this event will bring. “We are extremely excited to bring this event to Chattanooga and highlight our city’s flourishing cultural scene,” he shared.
The WOB event is expected to attract over **18K overnight visitors** and more than **45K day visitors**, generating an estimated **$30.1 million** in economic impact and **$1.1 million** in state tax revenue. This influx of visitors will also drive local employment and foster additional tax revenues across various industries.
**Ken White**, executive director of IBMA, shared insights into why Chattanooga was chosen over other potential cities. “In our mission to spread the music, IBMA considered more than **30 destinations** for a new home. While other cities could offer the necessary commitment, the passion and enthusiasm of the people of Chattanooga truly stood out,” he explained.
Chattanooga’s unique charm, hospitality, and architectural beauty make it a perfect home for the WOB artists and guests. The city’s welcoming spirit and the robust support from the state of Tennessee played a crucial role in cementing this partnership.
**Commissioner Mark Ezell** of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development stated, “We are ready to welcome the world’s largest events to Tennessee stages. IBMA’s World of Bluegrass is a great way to showcase our rich musical heritage.”
The event, scheduled for **September 16-20, 2025**, will include a convention, tradeshow, awards show, artist showcases across downtown, and a two-day live music festival featuring top bluegrass artists from around the world.
**Bluegrass enthusiasts** and potential attendees can find more details and updates on how to participate by visiting VisitChattanooga.com/WOB. It’s an event that promises to blend great music with the distinctive energy and culture of Chattanooga.
Get ready for an unforgettable **World of Bluegrass** event in the heart of Tennessee!
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